Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect over the Ibadan runway excursion involving its Challenger CL 601 aircraft, with registration marks N580KR at Ibadan Airport on Friday.
NCAA said it has also commenced an economic investigations into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure
According to NSIB, the aircraft, with 12 passengers and three crew members onboard was en-route Ibadan from Abuja the incident occurred. .
The aircraft, on final approach to landing Runway 22, Ibadan Airport overshoot the runway.
A statement signed by Michael Achimugu,Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA on Friday night reads in parts;
“While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.
“In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.
“The suspension will subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.
NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
NCAA wishes to assure the travelling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.
“Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).In line with statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the occurrence.”
Also, confirming the commencement of investigation into incident in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
NSIB,Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji said;” The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified and commenced investigation into a serious incident involving a Challenger 601-3R aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks N580KR operated by Mattini Air which occurred at about 1055am (Local Time) on 26th January, 2024.
“The NSIB has deployed a Go Team to investigate the incident. As the investigating agency, NSIB needs and hereby solicits for your assistance. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the serious incident; that can assist us with this investigation.
“The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until formal report is released.
” The Bureau will release the preliminary report as soon as possible.”